Other editions of book Torquemada

An “eerily successful” novel of the fifteenth-century Grand Inquisitor of the Spanish Inquisition from the New York Times–bestselling author of Spartacus (Kirkus Reviews). Bestselling author Howard Fast’s 1966 novelization of the Spanish Inquisition, Torquemada, is a terrifying drama about one of history’s most notorious individuals. Prior Thomas de Torquemada and Don Alvaro de Rafel, a Spanish knight, have been friends for many years. But when Torquemada is named Spain’s Grand Inquisitor by King Ferdinand and begins to hear whispers that Alvaro may have a secret Jewish past, he transforms from Alvaro’s old friend into a menacing new enemy.Inspired by Fast’s experiences being investigated by the House Un-American Activities Committee, and his subsequent jailing and blacklisting, Torquemada is a thrilling historical tale from a master of the genre. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Howard Fast including rare photos from the author’s estate.

"Thomas de Torquemada was Prior of Segovia in the year 1483, and as such, the head of the local inquisition. It was a grievous responsibility. It hurt him when people cast down their eyes as he passed, just as he truly suffered each time he sent a heretic to the stake in order to cleanse and purify his immortal soul. Thomas was a man without friends; save for the three members of one family; Alvero de Rafel, one of the noblest Knights of Spain, his gracious wife Maria, and his beautifl daughter Catherine. This is the starting point for Howard Fast's forceful and grim tale of the fifteenth century: the insights it offers into the terrible truth at the core of the Inquisition has chilling overtones for the twentieth."